A clear, concise, and grammatically perfect piece of writing conveys the intended message appropriately. While grammar is often given a back seat in informal conversations, usage of proper grammar in writing indicates professionalism. Good grammar includes appropriate punctuation too. When a write-up is not punctuated properly, it is likely to cause confusion and change the entire meaning of the content. Care should also be taken to avoid spelling mistakes and typographical errors. At this juncture, we will do well to consider some frequently made grammatical errors. Some of them are being used widely and habitually that they no longer seem like an error to us. The following are the ten grammatical errors, which I think are often missed.
1. Comma splice error.
No two independent sentences can be separated by a comma. The incorrect use of a comma in the absence of a coordinating conjunction is a comma splice error. The appropriate way to write such a sentence is to either use a period, semicolon, or colon.
Example: Incorrect: He does not smoke, he drinks occasionally. Correct: He does not smoke. He drinks occasionally.
2. Redundant phrases and words.
Using words that are not required are redundant words. These are often used in conversations and, at times, in writing too.
Example: a) Incorrect: I will return back on Monday. Correct: I will return on Monday.
The same applies to respond back, reply back, or revert back, where the word “back” is redundant.
b) Incorrect: If you buy this, you get a free gift. Correct: If you buy this, you get a gift.
3. Cope with vs. Cope up.
Cope is always followed by “with.”
Incorrect: He needs to cope up with the loss of his wife. Correct: He needs to cope with the loss of his wife.
4. Sometime vs. some time.
“Sometime” denotes an indefinite time in the past or future. Example: We will meet sometime next month.
“Some time” denotes a particular period. Example: I need some time to think.
“Sometimes” means occasionally, not often. Example: Sometimes, it rains.
5. Maybe vs. May be.
“Maybe” means perhaps or possibly. “May be” denotes could be.
Example:
a) Maybe, we can meet tomorrow.
b) She may be absent today.
6. Regards vs. Regard.
While “regards” expresses good wishes, “regard to” denotes concerning or referring to.
Example:
a) Give my regards to her.
b) With regard to the movie, it was good.
7. Everyday vs Every day.
“Everyday” is used to denote routinely or ordinarily. “Every day” means each day.
Example:
a) Exercising should be an everyday habit.
b) He exercises every day.
8. Aid vs. Aide.
“To aid” is to help. An "aide” is an assistant or a helper.
Example:
a) Skilled workers are hired to aid in difficult jobs.
b) She works as an aide to a nurse.
9. Practice vs. Practise.
Practice is used as a noun, and practise is used as a verb in British English. The variation does not exist in US English.
Example:
a) The doctor is still in practice.
b) He practises yoga every day.
10. Advice vs. Advise.
Advice is a noun, and advise is a verb.
Example:
a) It is important to heed to the doctor’s advice.
b) His mother advised him to quit smoking.
Practice makes a man perfect. Therefore, it is essential to keep trying and put our best foot forward to produce a flawless piece of writing.
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Chillibreeze's disclaimer: This is a contributed article and was published on Chillibreeze in October, 2011. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of Chillibreeze as a company. Chillibreeze has a strict anti-plagiarism policy. Please contact us to report any copyright issues related to this article. The relevance of the facts and figures cited (if any) could change after a period of time.
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—About our writer:
Padmavathy Augustus has 11 years of experience in the healthcare field. She started out as a freelance journalist right after school and continues to have the passion for writing. Her expertise is in the health domain, but she can handle any job with equal proficiency. She has done projects for US/UK-based healthcare websites. She has experience in article writing, web content writing, editing, and prooreading. She is based in Chennai.
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